International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
Electricity Generation Using Solar Power
Keskar Vinaya N.
M.E (Electronics)
Govt. College of Engg.
Aurangabad.
Abstract
Today energy is the main inspiration for socio-economic
development. But due to incremental rate of environmental
concern renewable energy provide a significant interest.
This alternative power source is continuously achieving
greater popularity due to continuous reduction in fossil
fuels. It is the energy comes from sun, wind, rain etc.
Among the non-conventional, renewable energy sources,
solar energy affords great potential for conversion into
electric power. Maximizing power output from a solar
system is desirable to increase efficiency. In order to
maximize power output, needs to keep the panels aligned
with the sun.
This paper deals with the electricity generation using solar
power. The proposed system ensures the optimization of the
conversion of solar energy into electricity by properly
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orienting the panel in accordance with the position of the
sun. The operation of the paper is based on a Stepper motor
intelligently moves a panel according to the light intensity of
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the sun sensing by light sensor.
1. Introduction
Renewable energy is rapidly gaining importance as an
energy resource as fossil fuel prices fluctuate. At the
educational level, it is therefore critical for engineering and
technology students to have an understanding and
appreciation of the technologies associated with renewable
energy. One of the most popular renewable energy sources
is solar energy.
Solar energy is the most abundant stream of energy. It is
available directly as solar isolation and indirectly as wind
energy. Sun sends out energy in the form of electromagnetic
radiation. Its potential is 178 Billion MW, which is about
20,000 times the world’s demand. Some of the Solar Energy
causes evaporation of water, leading to rains and creation of
rivers etc. Some of it is utilized in photosynthesis which is
essential for sustenance of life on earth. Man has tried from
time immemorial to harness this infinite source of energy.
But has been able to tap only a negligibly fraction of this
energy till today.
Many researches were conducted to develop some
methods to increase the efficiency of solar panels. One such
method is to employ a solar panel tracking system .This
paper deals with a micro controller based sun tracking
system.
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Vol. 2 Issue 2, February- 2013
Solar tracking enables more energy to be generated
because the solar panel is always able to maintain a
perpendicular profile to the sun’s rays. Development of solar
panel tracking systems has been ongoing for several years
now. As the sun moves across the sky during the day, it is
advantageous to have the solar panels track the location of
the sun, such that the panels are always perpendicular to the
solar energy radiated by the sun. This will tend to maximize
the amount of power absorbed by system.
In general, there are three methods to increase the
efficiency of PV systems. The first method is to increase the
generation efficiency of solar cells; the second one is related
to the energy conversion system included maximum power
point tracking(MPPT) control algorithms; and the third
approach is to adopt solar tracking system to obtain
maximum solar energy input from the sun.
In this paper we use the solar tracking system for
generation of electricity. In this paper light detector sensor
senses the intensity of sun light and convert it into electricity
which is directly proportional to intensity. Solar panel
rotates according to sun position by rotating solar panel with
the help of stepper motor and microcontroller.
At present solar electric power generation systems are
having fixed solar panels whose efficiency of generation is
less. The aim of the paper is to introduce the solar tracking
to the existing fixed solar panels, thus we are maintaining
the constant maximum power output. Thus by using this
tracking system we can increase the conversion efficiency of
the solar electric power generation. For this purpose, we
uses PIC microcontroller for sun tracking.
2. Need of solar power system
The increasing demand for energy, the continuous
reduction in existing sources of fossil fuels and the growing
concern regarding environment pollution, have pushed
mankind to explore new technologies for the production of
electrical energy using clean, renewable sources, such as
solar energy, wind energy, etc. Among the non-
conventional, renewable energy sources, solar energy
affords great potential for conversion into electric power,
able to ensure an important part of the electrical energy
needs of the planet. Solar energy is free, practically
inexhaustible and involves no polluting residues or green
gases emissions.
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3. Literature survey
3.1 History
Energy is the primary and most universal measure of all
kinds of work by human beings and nature. Primarily, it is
the gift of the nature to the mankind in various forms. The
consumption of the energy is directly proportional to the
progress of the mankind. With ever growing population,
improvement in the living standard of the humanity,
industrialization of the developing countries, the global
demand for energy increases day by day. The primary
source of energy is fossil fuel, however the finiteness of
fossil fuel resources and large scale environmental
degradation caused by their widespread use, particularly
global warming, urban air pollution and acid rain, strongly
suggests that harnessing of non-conventional, renewal and
environmental friendly.
3.2 Existing process
Electricity generation is the process of generating
electric energy from other forms of energy. The fundamental
principles of electricity generation were discovered during
the 1820s and early 1830s by the British scientist Michael
Faraday. His basic method is still used today. Electricity is
generated by the movement of a loop of wire, or disc of
copper between the poles of a magnet.
Electricity is most often generated at a power station by
RRTT
electromechanical generators, primarily driven by heat
engines fuelled by chemical combustion or nuclear fission
but also by other means such as the kinetic energy of
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flowing water and wind. There are many other technologies
that can be and are used to generate electricity such as solar
photovoltaic and geothermal power.
There are fundamental methods of transforming other
forms of energy into electrical energy:
Using thermal power: The direct conversion of
temperature differences to electricity, as in thermocouples,
thermopiles, and thermionic converters is done in this
method.
A thermal power station is a power plant in which the
prime mover is steam driven. Water is heated, turns into
steam and spins a steam turbine which drives an electrical
generator. After it passes through the turbine, the steam is
condensed in a condenser and recycled to where it was
heated; this is known as a Rankine cycle. The greatest
variation in the design of thermal power stations is due to
the different fuel sources. Some prefer to use the term
energy center because such facilities convert forms of heat
energy into electricity. Some thermal power plants also
deliver heat energy for industrial purposes, for district
heating, or for desalination of water as well as delivering
electrical power. A large part of human CO2 emissions
comes from fossil fuelled thermal power plants; efforts to
reduce these outputs are various and widespread.
Disadvantages:
Harnessing the power of it is difficult.
It can cost a lot of money and requires further research.
www.ijert.org
International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
Vol. 2 Issue 2, February- 2013
Waves can be big or small so you may not always be able
to generate electricity.
Not many people have tried to generate electricity this way
yet so the equipment is expensive.
Using Wind power: There are two primary physical
principles by which energy can be extracted from the wind;
these are through the creation of either lift or drag force (or
through a combination of the two).
Drag forces provide the most obvious means of
propulsion, these being the forces felt by a person (or object)
exposed to the wind. Lift forces are the most efficient means
of propulsion but being more subtle than drag forces are not
so well understood.
Disadvantages:
The strength of the wind is not constant and it varies from
zero to storm force. This means that wind turbines do not
produce the same amount of electricity all the time.
Wind turbines are noisy.
When wind turbines are being manufactured some
pollution is produced. Therefore wind power does produce
some pollution.
Large wind farms are needed to provide entire
communities with enough electricity.
Using Nuclear power: The creation and acceleration of
charged particles (examples: beta voltaics or alpha particle
emission).
In a nuclear power station the uranium is first formed
into pellets and then into long rods. The uranium rods are
kept cool by submerging them in water. When they are
removed from the water a nuclear reaction takes place
causing heat. The amount of heat required is controlled by
raising and lowering the rods. If more heat is required the
rods are raised further out of the water and if less is needed
they lower further into it.
Disadvantages:
Nuclear power is a controversial method of producing
electricity. Many people and environmental organisations
are very concerned about the radioactive fuel it needs.
There have been serious accidents with a small number of
nuclear power stations. The accident at Chernobyl
(Ukraine) in 1986, led to 30 people being killed and over
100,000 people being evacuated.
There are serious questions to be answered regarding the
storage of radioactive waste produced through the use of
nuclear power.
Storing and monitoring the radioactive waste material for
thousands of years has a high cost.
Using solar power: The transformation of light into
electrical energy, as in solar cells is done in the photoelectric
effect.
Solar tracking allows more energy to be produced
because the solar array is able to remain aligned to the sun.
Maximizing power output from a solar system is desirable to
increase efficiency. In order to maximize power output from
the solar panels, one needs to keep the panels aligned with
the sun. As such, a means of tracking the sun is required.
This is a far more cost effective solution than purchasing
additional solar panels. It has been estimated that the yield
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from solar panels can be increased by 30 to 60 percent by
utilizing a tracking system instead of a stationary array.
Advantages of solar power:
The energy and heat from the sun is free and unlimited.
Solar power is non-polluting. Solar power usage does not
emit any greenhouse gases or harmful waste.
Solar power is perfect and saving for power generation in
remote areas or where the cost of expansion utility grid is
high.
Solar power is versatile. It can be used for low-power
purpose as well as larger ones - from hand-held
calculators, watches, and solar powered garden lights to
water heaters, cars, buildings and satellites.
Also due to simple construction and low maintenance cost
solar energy systems are mainly used for generation
purpose.
4. Solar tracking system
4.1 concept of solar tracking
A solar tracker is a device for orienting a day lighting
reflector, solar photovoltaic panel or concentrating solar
reflector or lens toward the sun. The sun's position in the sky
varies both with the seasons and time of day as the sun
moves across the sky. Solar powered equipment works best
when pointed at or near the sun, so a solar tracker can
increase the effectiveness of such equipment over any fixed
position, at the cost of additional system complexity.
RRTT
A solar tracker is basically a device on to which solar
panels are fitted which tracks the motion of the sun across
the sky ensuring that the maximum amount of sunlight
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strikes the panels throughout the day. After finding the
sunlight, the tracker will try to navigate through the path
ensuring the best sunlight is detected.
Electro optical control unit tracks the sun by a solar
detecting device that is sensitive to solar radiance Photo
sensors produce a signal relative to the sun light that falls on
them. Changes according to the movement of the sun occur
in the signals produced by photo sensors. These different
signals, which reach the control system, are evaluated and
the required instruction signal is sent to the motor, which
moves the solar panel. The panel moves according to this
control signal and the movement of the panel stops at the
position where it directly faces the sun, when the signals
from photo sensors reach the value.
A solar tracker is an electro-mechanical system used on
behalf of orienting a solar photovoltaic panel in the direction
of the sun. It is used in many applications such as the
transportation signalling, lighthouses, emergency phones
installed in the highways, etc… Its main objective is to find
the maximum sun radiations in order to get maximum
charge for the batteries.
4.2 tracker mount types
Solar trackers may be active or passive and may be
single axis or dual axis. Single axis trackers usually use a
polar mount for maximum solar efficiency. Single axis
trackers will usually have a manual elevation adjustment on
a second axis which is adjusted on regular intervals
www.ijert.org
International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
Vol. 2 Issue 2, February- 2013
throughout the year. Compared to a fixed amount, a single
axis tracker increases annual output by approximately 30%
and a dual axis tracker an additional 6%.
There are different types of trackers, these are:
Polar trackers: These trackers have one axis aligned to be
roughly parallel to the axis of rotation of the earth around
the north and south poles—hence the name polar. Single
axis tracking is often used when combined with time-of-use
metering, since strong afternoon performance is particularly
desirable for grid-tied photovoltaic systems, as production at
this time will match the peak demand time for summer
season air-conditioning. A fixed system oriented to optimize
this limited time performance will have a relatively low
annual production. The polar axis should be angled towards
due north, and the angle between this axis and the vertical
should be equal to your latitude.
Simple polar trackers with single axis tracking may also
have an adjustment along a second axis: the angle of
declination. This allows for angle the panel to face the sun
when it is higher in the sky in the summer and to face it
lower in the sky in the winter.
Altitude-azimuth: A type of mounting that supports the
weight of the solar tracker and allows it to move in two
directions to locate a specific target. One axis of support is
horizontal (called the altitude) and allows the telescope to
move up and down. The other axis is vertical (called the
azimuth) and allows the telescope to swing in a circle
parallel to the ground. This makes it easy to position the
telescope: swing it around in a circle and then lift it to the
target. However, tracking an object as the Earth turns is
more complicated. The telescope needs to be adjusted in
both directions while tracking, which requires a computer to
control the telescope.
Active tracker: Active trackers use motors and gear trains
to direct the tracker as commanded by a controller
responding to the solar direction.
Active two-axis trackers are also used to orient heliostats
- movable mirrors that reflect sunlight toward the absorber
of a central power station. As each mirror in a large field
will have an individual orientation these are controlled
programmatically through a central computer system, which
also allows the system to be shut down when necessary.
Since the motors consume energy, one wants to use them
only as necessary. So instead of a continuous motion, the
heliostat is moved in discrete steps. Also, if the light is
below some threshold there would not be enough power
generated to warrant reorientation. This is also true when
there is not enough difference in light level from one
direction to another, such as when clouds are passing
overhead. Consideration must be made to keep the tracker
from wasting energy during cloudy periods.
Passive tracker: Zome works passive tracker head in
Spring/Summer tilt position with panels on light blue rack
pivoted to morning position against stop. Dark blue objects
are hydraulic dampers.
Passive trackers use a low boiling point compressed gas
fluid that is driven to one side or the other to cause the
tracker to move in response to an imbalance. As this is a
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 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
Vol. 2 Issue 2, February- 2013
non-precision orientation it is unsuitable for certain types of
concentrating photovoltaic collectors but works fine for
common PV panel types. These will have viscous dampers
to prevent excessive motion in response to wind gusts.
Reflectors are used to reflect early morning sunlight to
"wake up" the panel and tilt it toward the sun, which can
take nearly an hour. The time to do this can be greatly
reduced by adding a self-releasing tie down that positions
the panel slightly past the zenith and using the tie down in
the evening.
The term "passive tracker" is also used for photovoltaic
modules that include a hologram behind stripes of
photovoltaic cells. That way, sunlight passes through the
transparent part of the module and reflects on the hologram.
This allows sunlight to hit the cell from behind, thereby
increasing the module's efficiency. Also, the module does
not have to move since the hologram always reflects
sunlight from the correct angle towards the cells. Figure 1: Block diagram of system

4.3 How solar energy is converted into current?

Solar cells are systems that are composed of
semiconductor materials and which convert solar energy
directly into current. The amount of electrical energy which
will be obtained is directly proportional to the intensity of
sun light that falls on the photovoltaic (PV) panel. When
light falls on the device the light photons are absorbed by
semiconducting material and electric charge carriers are
generated. The relation between incident photon energy and
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frequency is
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Power Supply: We need the regulated 5 V output for the
most of the IC’s used in our system. In this paper power
generated by sun light is used for IC’s operation so does not
need of external power supply.
Stepper Motor and Motor Driver: Stepper motor is a
digital actuator whose input is in the form of programmed
energization of the stator windings and whose output is in
the form of discrete angular rotation.
In this project two stepper motors are used for the
mounting the solar panel. Two stepper motors are mounting
below the two ends of solar panel at the opposite site.

where = Planck constant and = frequency. Microcontroller cannot compatible with stepper motor so
stepper motor driver used for compatibility. The stepper
Silicon is the most abundant element available on the motor is used to rotate the solar panel accordingly where we
earth surface and mostly of the solar cells fabricated using obtain maximum voltage. Two stepper motors are used to
them. put the panel at correct position.

5. Proposed system LCD: In this paper 16*2 LCD is used for displaying status
of load, battery health etc.
5.1 Block diagram of system
RTC: This paper tracks sun continuously by sensing panel
voltage and real time clock. IC PCF 8583 used for real time
Figure shows proposed block diagram of project. As
clocking. The PCF8583 is a clock and calendar chip, based
shown in the figure, here day/night sensor which is LDR is
on a 2048 bit static CMOS RAM organized as 256 words by
used for detecting intensity of solar light. According to
8 bits. Addresses and data are transferred serially via the
intensity of light solar panel rotate to get maximum intensity
two-line bidirectional I2C-bus. The built-in word address
with the help of stepper motor and driver. LCD displays the
register is incremented automatically after each written or
status of load, and some information. During day time
read data byte. Address pin A0 is used for programming the
charging unit shall be started, battery level shall be
hardware address, allowing the connection of two devices to
monitored and charging controlled according to the battery
the bus without additional hardware.
voltage level. During night time charging shall be cut off.
Load is operated depending on the electricity generated
Charging control module: Charging module used to
which is directly proportional to the intensity of sun light.
charge a battery and Panel control unit used to connect and
Charging module used to charge a battery and Panel control
disconnect solar panel.
unit used to connect and disconnect solar panel.
The charge controller’s function is to regulate the power
The microcontroller is used such that it should have the
flowing from a photovoltaic panel into a rechargeable
in-built ADC. Here I prefer to use the PIC18F458
battery. It features is an equalize function for periodic
microcontroller. This microcontroller has the 8 analog
overcharging, and automatic temperature compensation for
channels with 10-bit digital output corresponding to the
better charging over a range of temperatures.
analog input.

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The goal of the design was to make a charge controller
with analog simplicity, high efficiency, and reliability. A
medium power solar system can be built with a 12V solar
panel up to 10 amps, the circuit, and a rechargeable battery.
It works with lead acid, NiCD and NiMH batteries with
ratings from less than one to several hundred amp-hours.
Day/night sensor: Light detector sensor i.e LDR is used as
day/night sensor. It consists of two cadmium sulphide (cds)
photoconductive cells. The cell resistance falls with
increasing light intensity.
In this paper, it was desired for the output voltage to
increase as the light intensity increases, so the photocell was
placed in the top position.
Relay: A relay is an electrical switch that opens and closes
under the control of another electrical circuit. In the original
form, the switch is operated by an electromagnet to open or
close one or many sets of contacts. Because a relay is able to
control an output circuit of higher power than the input
circuit, it can be considered to be, in a broad sense, a form
of an electrical amplifier.
International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
Vol. 2 Issue 2, February- 2013
References
[1]Syamsiah Mashohor, Khairulmizam Samsudin, Amirullah
M. Noor and Adi Razlan, A. Rahman, “Evaluation of Genetic
Algorithm based Solar Tracking System for Photovoltaic Panels”,
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[2]Miguel Romero, Rafael Lemuz, Irene O. Ayaquica-
Mart´ınez, Griselda Salda˜na-Gonz´alez, “A Calibration Algorithm
for Solar Tracking System”, 10th Mexican International Conference
on Artificial Intelligence, IEEE 2011.
[3] A. Kassem , M. Hamad ,” A Microcontroller-Based Multi-
Function Solar Tracking System”, IEEE 2011.
[4]A.K.Saxena, V. Dutta, “A versatile microprocessor- based
controller for solar tracking”, IEEE 1990.
[5] Md. Tanvir Arafat Khan, S.M. Shahrear Tanzil, Rifat
Rahman, S M Shafiul Alam,” Design and Construction of an
Automatic Solar Tracking System”, 6th International Conference
on Electrical and Computer Engineering ICECE ,IEEE 2010.
[6]B. Koyuncu, K. Balasubramanian, “A microprocessor
controlled automatic sun tracker”, IEEE 1991.
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IEEE 2005.

Microcontroller: It is the major part of the system. The
microcontroller controls all the operations. The solar panel
is aligned according to the intensity of sunlight under the
control of the microcontroller.
5.2 Algorithm
RRTT
1. Initially check the time on RTC.
2. If it is day time then check the position of sun. If there is
no day time then not go to step 7.
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[9]Aleksandar Stjepanović, Sladjana Stjepanović, Ferid Softić,
Zlatko Bundalo, “Microcontroller Based Solar Tracking System”,
TELSIKS, IEEE2009.
[10]Lwin Lwin Oo, Nang Kaythi Hlaing,” Microcontroller-
Based Two-Axis Solar Tracking System”, Second International
Conference on Computer Research and Development, IEEE 2010.
[11]Han Shunjie, Han Yue, Han Meng,” Research and
Implementation of The Dual Mode Solar Automatic Tracking
System”, IEEE 2012.
[12]Xia Zhao, “Research on Automatic Tracking Solar Power

System”, IEEE 2011.

3. Check for maximum intensity of sun if it less than
maximum then rotate the solar panel with the help of stepper
motors.
4. Start the charging of battery with the help of charging
control module.
5. Store the electric energy into battery.
6. If battery charged up to maximum level then disconnect
the connection with solar panel.
7. During night charging will be cut off.
8. Whenever required switch on the load with the help of
relay.
9. Display the status of load on the LCD.

5.3 Advantages

1. The energy and heat from the sun is free and unlimited.
2. Solar power is non-polluting. Solar power usage does not
emit any greenhouse gases or harmful waste.
3. Solar power is perfect and saving for power generation in
remote areas or where the cost of expansion utility grid is
high.
4. Solar power is versatile. It can be used for low-power
purpose as well as larger ones - from hand-held calculators,
watches, and solar powered garden lights to water heaters,
cars, buildings and satellites.
5. Solar power system requires very little maintenance and
last for many years.

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